I am 8 weeks post op tummy tuck and my incision keeps opening in certain areas. What should I do? (photo)

Question

I am being told to keep compressing with lipo foam and ab board and I use manuka honey patches but it doesn’t seem to be effective.

James M. Sheridan, MD · Answer

Dear NeedCurves,Thank you for your question.  It looks like you may be s"spitting sutures".  Some people react with more inflammation to the buried dissolvable sutures than others.  Just follow th wound care advice from your surgeons office; we typically advise warm compresses and neopsoirn oint to the open areas.  It may take awhile, but this will resolve itsleg.  Hope this helps & good luck.James Sheridan, MD

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Aside from the small, superficial wounds, you seem to be healing up fine. The superficial wounds that you have may be due to a number of things - it may be due to excessive pressure, or friction along the incision line; a suture or stitch that has become somewhat exposed and is now causing a reaction; or for no reason at all. I would suggest just keeping the areas clean and covered - you can likely ditch a lot of the other products you are using. These can be time intensive, and expensive, and you may not be actually be helping the wound healing process. As always, ensure that you keep in touch with your Plastic Surgeon and follow his advice. Best of luck! You should heal up shortly.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Thanks for the question and photo.  It is not uncommon for patients to experience delayed small openings in their abdominoplasty incisions.  Most commonly, they are from dissolvable stitches the 'spit'.  Using honey or topical ointments such as Bacitracin/Polysporin/Bactroban or even honey (which is much more messy) work,  They eventually stop and you should heal just fine.  Continue following ip with your Plastic Surgeon.Dr T

Diego Franco, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hola NeedCurves!
At this time your only option is to continue to change dressings and follow your surgeons instructions regarding the healing ointment and types of dressings he/she indicated.
There are multiple types of dressing and ointments on the market and they all work differently so try to stick with the original indications to avoid a delay in the healing process. 
In many cases patience and time is the best treatment.

Dr. Diego Franco
Colombian Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I am 8 weeks post op tummy tuck and my incision keeps opening in certain areas. What should I do? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Incision Opening in Certain Areas

Answer: Tummy Tuck Incision Opening in Certain Areas

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I am 8 weeks post op tummy tuck and my incision keeps opening in certain areas. What should I do? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Incision Opening in Certain Areas

Answer: Tummy Tuck Incision Opening in Certain Areas

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.